The promotion and relegation situation for League Two run-in

The Exiles' slim play-off hopes had already realistically been killed off and now the highest they can finish is eighth.

In truth, rather than hunting a top-half finish Graham Coughlan’s side are trying to halt their slide down the table. County are 16th with 20th the lowest they can finish.

The Exiles, Tranmere and Swindon are the only three teams who are mathematically staying in League Two ahead of this weekend’s action.

Here are the promotion and relegation issues for next season’s fourth-tier line-up…

IMPRESSIVE: James McClean and Wrexham look set for League One (Image: PA)

AUTOMATIC PROMOTION

Leaders Stockport and second-placed Wrexham are on the brink of going up while there is a huge game in Milton Keynes this weekend when the fourth-placed Dons host third-placed Mansfield.

The Stags have a two-point lead and a game in hand so would be in good shape if they avoid defeat in Buckinghamshire.

1 Stockport (P42, 83pts)

2 Wrexham (P43, 79)

3 Mansfield (P42, 76)

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4 MK Dons (P43, 74)

PLAY-OFFS

Crewe and Barrow, who have five games to cram in, are looking likely to extend their season.

Crawley are in the strongest position for seventh but are being chased hard by AFC Wimbledon and Walsall. In-form Doncaster have probably left their charge up the table too late.

If Crawley slip up then it could be a cracker on final day when Wimbledon host Walsall.

5 Crewe (P43, 70)

6 Barrow (P41, 67)

7 Crawley (P42, 65)

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8 AFC Wimbledon (P43, 62)

9 Walsall (P42, 62)

10 Doncaster (P42, 61)

TENSE: Ellis Iandolo and Colchester need to overhaul relegation rivals Sutton (Image: PA)

RELEGATION

Sutton have given themselves a chance of a great escape with four wins on the spin until beaten by leaders Stockport last weekend.

Steve Morison's men are in the final safe spot but Colchester are a point back with two games in hand.

Sutton are putting the U's, who have a hefty budget, under serious pressure and the Essex side might need to turn draws into wins.

Forest Green Rovers are just three points away from safety but could do with a shock win at Wrexham on Saturday.

The Gloucestershire side do have 'winnable' games to come against Morecambe (away) and Notts County (home), but Sutton and Colchester might leave them with too much to do.

Grimsby are on the brink of safety thanks to their precious 1-0 win against County last weekend, although if they lose at Crewe this weekend then they face a huge game at Colchester on Tuesday.

21 Grimsby (P42, 43)

22 Sutton (P43, 39)

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23 Colchester (P41, 38)

24 Forest Green (P43, 36)

LEAGUE ONE RELEGATION

County already have one long trip confirmed for next season – Carlisle are dropping back down to the fourth tier.

With Fleetwood looking certain to join them, it would be nice if Cheltenham fall short after enjoying a turnaround under Darrell Clarke.

Burton are currently in the final safe spot but are only above Port Vale on goal difference with Cheltenham two points back. Cambridge and Shrewsbury probably have enough to be safe.

Burton host Cheltenham in a key clash next Tuesday.

BACK: Chesterfield have returned to the Football League (Image: PA)

NATIONAL LEAGUE PROMOTION

Chesterfield are already preparing for the fourth tier after winning the title.

The play-offs will decide who comes up with them, with six teams extending their seasons past final day on April 20.

Barnet, Bromley, Solihull, Altrincham, Gateshead and Halifax are currently in the play-off zone, with Aldershot hoping to sneak in.

Saturday League Two fixtures: Crawley v Colchester, Crewe v Grimsby, Doncaster v Accrington, Gillingham v Barrow, Harrogate v Sutton, MK Dons v Mansfield, Newport County v Tranmere, Salford v Bradford, Stockport v Morecambe, Swindon v AFC Wimbledon, Walsall v Notts County, Wrexham v Forest Green.